Luna, one of the 2024 Summit Scholarship recipients, dreamed of adventure from an early age. But for Luna, a road trip to Mount Baker is more than just a fun activity (and we have no doubt it will be). This opportunity is deeply aligned with Luna’s passion for the great outdoors and her unwavering commitment to women’s rights, especially in the outdoors.
Luna’s commitment to nature is unparalleled. She has had many different goals, from hiking every Sunday to now, preparing for Mt Baker and immersing herself in the climbing community. What we love most about her story is that Luna focuses on living in the moment. That’s very clearly evident in her story below from a hike with her aunt and brother. She knows that every moment is an opportunity. Even if you fail or fall down the side of a mountain, there is always something to learn. Yes, your love for the outdoors can grow too.
Luna recognizes that there is a lot to learn about mountaineering and the climbing community. So she heads into the Mount Baker expedition with eyes wide open. As Luna shared,
“I recognize the gaps in my knowledge within this community and am excited about the opportunity to gain more understanding and knowledge. I hope this experience expands my dreams and expectations and opens new possibilities.” I look forward to it as a way to discover the world of sexuality.”
With new opportunities on the horizon, we took a moment to learn a little more about Luna. And I hope you do too. Keep scrolling to read more about her role model and one of her most vivid outdoor memories. We’re sure you’ll be smiling and thinking about your next adventure.
Can you describe how you felt when you found out you won? I was so excited when I found out I was one of the lucky few who won. I noticed this at work, and my co-workers kept asking me why I looked so happy. All I could think was what an amazing opportunity this was.
What do you do to fill your days? My typical day includes school, work, volleyball, and other activities like clubs and volunteering. In my free time, I enjoy camping, spending time with friends, and hiking.
What made you start your adventure? Ever since I was little, I have had a very active personality. I’ve always enjoyed sports and doing things outside of my comfort zone. So I didn’t necessarily start the adventure. It’s always been a part of my life.
What obstacles did you face while climbing? Unfortunately, I didn’t have much of a chance to fully immerse myself in the mountain climbing experience. If there is an obstacle, I think it is a lack of resources. That’s another reason I’m so grateful to be on this journey.
Tell us about an outdoor incident that solidified your love and desire for mountaineering. One vivid memory that always reminds me of my deep connection to the outdoors is when my aunt would take my brother and me hiking. It was only a 4 mile hike, which wasn’t particularly difficult for adults, but for young kids like me it felt like a never-ending journey. It was a steep mountain and it was difficult to go down, so my brother and I decided to go down quickly, but in the end I ended up rolling down the mountainside. I fell down and my butt hurt and it hurt a lot. But past the embarrassment, all I wanted to do was get up and try again. That moment taught me that it’s okay to fail sometimes, and my love for the outdoors grew even stronger from that day on.
Tell us about someone who inspires you. My constant inspiration is my brother Leo. I know that without Leo in my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I don’t even have the confidence to apply for something like this. They always go beyond their comfort zone and engage in activities that surprise and inspire me. I remember the first time I met Leo was when I was about 11 years old, after my dad met my mom. Since then, we have become inseparable. Leos never let obstacles get in the way of their dreams, and their fearless attitude toward an unknown future is something I deeply respect. Their confidence, compassion, and playfulness are the qualities I look for. Leo’s dedication and determination as he juggles multiple jobs to support himself while attending school is truly inspiring. I look forward to growing, learning, and experiencing life with them.
Please tell us about your biggest mountaineering ambition or dream. I am a person who enjoys living in the moment. Just a few months ago, my main focus was hiking the mountains every Sunday. However, my biggest goal now has changed to immersing myself in the climbing community. I recognize the gaps in my knowledge within this community and am excited about the opportunity to gain more understanding and knowledge. I look forward to this experience as a way to expand my dreams and expectations and discover a world of new possibilities.
What do you hope to learn from your experience as a Summit Scholarship recipient? As a Summit Scholarship recipient, I am looking forward to learning more about this community that I have never been a part of before. I want to acquire knowledge about mountaineering and climbing in general, and push my limits to a higher level than ever before.
Luna – We can’t wait to learn, climb, and share the joys of nature together. You have a place here in the climbing community and we can’t wait to have you join the AWExpedition team at Mount Baker this summer. To follow Luna’s journey, visit our expedition partner AWExpedition. Instagram or facebook.